ESPN NHL

HISTORY:

Since their inaugural season in 1967, the Pittsburgh Penguins called Civic Arena/Mellon Arena home. Affectionately known as "The Igloo" because of its shape, the NHL's oldest arena saw the Penguins go from the growing pains of an expansion franchise to one of the league's best teams. Led by icon and now team owner Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, the Penguins won Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. The club had financial troubles through most of the early part of this century and its tenure in Pittsburgh came into question before a new arena was proposed and eventually funded with help of the state. Led by young stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, the Penguins played in the Stanley Cup finals in 2008 and 2009, when they won their third Cup. In 2010, the Penguins moved across the street and into the new Consol Energy Center, which has roughly 300,000 more square feet than the Igloo and almost 1,200 more seats. The hockey capacity is 18,087, reflecting Crosby's No. 87. The arena is owned by the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. In addition to the Penguins, Consol Energy Center also will host the NCAA men's basketball first and second rounds in 2012 and the NCAA Frozen Four in 2013. The arena will be home to the expansion Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League next spring. Several other sporting events as well as concerts and exhibitions are also scheduled for the new arena.

SEATING NOTES:

• Seating information to be provided by StubHub!

Address:

1001 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Directions:

From the north: Via I-79 south or Route 28S, Take I-279 south to I-579 south, follow signs to Consol Center (Veterans/Liberty Bridge). Take Consol Center/Sixth Avenue exit and turn left at light to arena.

From the south: Take I-79 north to I-376 Business toward Pittsburgh, through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and bear right (toward Monroeville). Take the first exit on the left (Grant Street) to Seventh Avenue and turn right to the arena.

From the east: Take Route 22W to I-376 West (Monroeville), through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. Take the Grant Street exit to Seventh Avenue and turn right to the arena.

From the west: Take Route 22E to I-376 Business, through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and bear right (toward Monroeville). Take the first exit on the left (Grant Street) to Seventh Avenue and turn right to the arena.

Parking:

Parking: There are 2,500 surface parking spaces across the street from Consol Energy Center. The new arena also has a 500-space garage. Rates vary by event and date.

Transportation:

Transportation: The Port Authority of Allegheny County provides public transportation to Consol Energy Center. For schedules and more information, visit the Port Authority Web site or call 412-442-2000.

Information sources: Pittsburgh Penguins and Consol Energy Center.